Daylight Runner

March 1, 2009
Gr 10 Up-Sol Wheat lives in an apocalyptic future in which global warming has brought on an ice age that few people survived. His domed city of Ash Harbor is powered by "The Machine" and each citizen's life is arranged to keep it functioning. When Sol's fatherwho works outside to clear the dome of snow and icedisappears after being accused of murdering a fellow "daylighter," the 16-year-old asks too many questions and finds himself on the run, wanted both by the police and the crime lord to whom his father is in debt. McGann has written a compelling tale reminiscent of Lois Lowry's The Giver (Houghton, 1993). Sol, like Jonas, strives to make his fellow citizens aware of the corruption and hypocrisy in their society and to challenge them to change for the better. Daylight Runner will appeal to science-fiction fans, although the length may deter reluctant readers or those looking for a fast-paced story. The author provides glimpses into Sol's past, and his character, though well developed and fully three-dimensional, is simply not likable enough to resonate with readers. When the plot drags in the middle third of the book, Sol's plight may not be compelling enough to ensure that most readers will continue to the end.Leah J. Sparks, formerly at Bowie Public Library, MD

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